Michaud Vineyard

Michael Michaud joined Chalone Vineyard in 1979 as assistant winemaker under Richard Graff. In 1983, he became the head winemaker and produced wines that garnered many outstanding reviews and accolades. After leaving Chalone after 19 vintages in 1998, he established his own eponymous label producing small lots of hand-crafted Pinot Noir, Syrah, Sangiovese, "3" (a blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Sangiovese), Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Marsanne.

The Michaud Vineyard is situated at an altitude of 1,500 feet in the cooler north end of the Chalone appellation. There are 29 planted acres and 9 different clones of Pinot Noir.Ample sun and daily temperature fluctuations of 40 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit create unique growing conditions.

The Michaud wines are available on the website. The vineyard is located 12 miles east of Soledad, but there is no visitor's tasting room. Vineyard tours are available by appointment - 650-529-0973. A tasting room in conjunction with winemaker Michael Martella (his Martella label wines - not Thomas Fogarty) is open at 14598A Big Basin Way in Saratoga (open Thursday 3-8, Friday and Saturday 1-9, and Sunday 1-5, other days occasionally for local special events)